Crockpot Baked Ziti

Introduction:

Crockpot Baked Ziti is an easy and delicious slow-cooker meal perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This dish layers tender pasta with rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese, all cooked to perfection in the crockpot. It’s a no-fuss meal that brings the flavors of a classic baked ziti with the convenience of hands-off cooking.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb penne or ziti pasta (uncooked)
• 32 oz marinara sauce (your favorite brand)
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg (optional, to mix with ricotta for a richer filling)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups water or broth (to cook the pasta in the crockpot)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, 1/4 cup of Parmesan, the egg (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot: In a greased crockpot, pour a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add half of the uncooked pasta on top of the sauce. Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture over the pasta. Repeat the layers (sauce, pasta, ricotta) until all ingredients are used, ending with marinara sauce on top.
3. Add Water or Broth: Pour 2 cups of water or broth over the layers. This will help cook the pasta while the ziti bakes in the crockpot.
4. Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the pasta is tender.
5. Top with Cheese: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Let it melt and become bubbly.
6. Serve: Once the ziti is cooked and the cheese is melted, serve hot. You can garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Conclusion:

This Crockpot Baked Ziti is a perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal that delivers comforting, cheesy goodness without much effort. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just want a satisfying meal with minimal prep, this slow-cooker recipe will quickly become a household favorite!